Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss procedures performed on people with obesity, in which the size of the stomach is reduced, either with a gastric band, or through the removal of a portion of the stomach.
Before surgery, it is crucial that a strict, calorie-controlled diet is followed. This is important to reduce the size of the liver, reducing the risk of complications related to surgery. It is also helpful as decreasing the liver’s size increases the likelihood of the surgery being performed laparoscopically (by keyhole), as opposed to open surgery, which can be more painful. It can increase hospital stay, increase recovery time, and the risk of hernias.
When excess glucose from carbohydrates is consumed, it is turned into a substance called glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates consumed over the next two weeks, the glycogen stored in the liver will all be used up, helping the liver shrink to a smaller size. It is essential that you stick to the diet for the full two weeks or the surgery may not go ahead.
If you have diabetes make sure you mention this to your healthcare professional, as your dietary needs may vary.
Pre-op diet
The pre-op diet consists of around 800 to 1000 Kcal per day, allows only 100g of carbohydrates, is low in fat and contains moderate protein.
Breakfast (15g carbs)
Choose from:
- 1 slice of toast with a thin scrape of margarine
- 3 tbsp. of cereal or 1 Weetabix, with 100ml of semi skimmed milk
Lunch
Choose from:
- 1 slice of bread
- Half a bagel
- Half a pitta bread
With:
- 100g lean meat or tofu/Quorn
- 2 eggs
- 100g lean fish
With vegetables or salad (use low-fat dressings).
Dinner (20g carbs)
Choose between:
- 2 medium-sized boiled or mashed potatoes
- 4 small new potatoes with skin
- 2 tbsp. of cooked pasta
- 2 tbsp. of cooked rice
With:
- 100g lean meat or tofu/Quorn
- 2 eggs
- 100g lean fish
With vegetables or salad (use low-fat dressings)
As well as the meal plan set out for you above, you are allowed 200ml of milk per day, two portions of fruit or 200ml fruit juice, one small pot of light yoghurt and unlimited water and tea.
